Musky or Specks

Try Midjeimungshing in the park...past kenny

You can drive to it and launch your canoe.

 

good sized lake, fish the shorelines for specs

 

Spelling is wrong on the lake name but when you see the sign you will know it

Which is why I always just refer to it as Mijin.

See everyone here is alot more friendly if you introduce yourself instead of just taking info. Welcome and PM sent.

 

 

There are great paying jobs here, but the mine jobs are usually 2 weeks on 2 weeks off.

Which ain't too bad. You get a 2 week holiday every month!!!

Well I'm a heavy truck parts guy let me know if you here of anything. Worked for both Freightliner and International.

Not sure if your totally agreeing with me or being sarcastic?

 

Yes, all sides should play apart in restoring the lake, I certainly agree with that!!

No I am totally agreeing with you. Treaty says they have a right to fish that makes it a law founded in our constitution. If they give up that right to protect the fishery we (non-natives) will look like idiots and self serving morons if also don't give it up. Our right to fish isn't protected by any law.

Now if you want to argue about if there should even be treaty rights that's a whole other ball game. Until those treaty rights are negotiated into nothingness though they are the law.

I have not managed to make it out fishing a lot this year. Been too busy (well, actually probably too lazy) and also had some work on the boat that I wanted to get done first. Most would have done it in early spring (remember - to lazy) but I waited until June to get started. Bought a used LSS unit last year, and wanted to get it installed before the boat went in the water.

 

So I was really looking forward to the annual Family Cottage Week. Every year we rent a Cottage throughout Ontario. I look after finding them, researching them, and then booking - usually looking for the following:

 

1) Allows Dogs - I don't really care myself as we do not own one, but 2 of the Family Members do - and so this is usually a must.

2) Sleeps 8 to 10 Comfortably -> So nothing Rustic

3) On a nice lake - good for sailing (for my Dad).

4) Finally - has decent fishing.

 

Over the years then, we have been on Little Redstone Lake (twice), Loon Lake (Kearny), Healey Lake, Big Clear Lake, and Mississippi Lake. They have all had their Pros/Cons - for instance I was really looking forward to Mississippi Lake - heard it was great for Bass, and had Decent Pike. Unfortunately due to drought conditions, the lake was down 2 to 3 feet - Average - when we were there. So it really messed up everything.

Healey Lake should also have been good, but that was Hot Summer -> Water Temperature in some places was reading 80+ degrees - I kid you not. Anything I caught - well lets just say it did not smell right and move on.

 

Anyway - on to Bobs Lake, which has moved to my all time favorite Lake for Family Cottage Week (followed closely by Big Clear Lake, also in the same area).

 

Hooked the Boat up on Saturday, and made our way from Barrie to Bobs - going north around Orillia, and over through Highway 7. Could have taken the 401 , but really the drive on 7 is great. The landscapes you see as you drive are really great - particularly once you get past Peterborough.

 

We arrived that evening, got the Boat Launched - and I was ready.

 

The 2nd part of this story involves Mystery Tackle Box. For those that have signed up for the service, I had about 10 boxes of lures to use. I had been saving them stricly to use for a trip somewhere. Not for any other reason, then I realized I was continually buying lures - and never using them . This needed to stop - so when I cancelled mystery tackle box (not for any other reason than I was addicted) I made it a goal to fish them all, so I could justify why I joined. The lures fit nicely in the a cheap tackle box I bought at Cabelas (my other other addiction) and contained all my go too's for Bobs Lake, whether they worked or not.

 

So that evening I tied off my first Lure (Live Target Wake Bait - Tilapia) and started casting from the Dock. Couple of casts - couple of small fish and I thought this lake might be good. That is my normal tradition, and it usually proves true - if I catch from the dock, fishing is good. If I do not, then fishing is generally bad.

 

Sunday proved to be a lay around day. Not sure why, but I really did not feel like going out, nor did anyone else. But around 5PM I decided to give it a try. There was a line of what looked to be bad weather coming (turned out to be Thunder Storms) and I figured I could get a quick troll in. I was glad I did:

 

 

Now the weather was coming in quick, with Fork lightning seemingly a short distance away. So I put this beauty back (caught him on the same lure I was throwing off the Dock) before I took a measurement. I am still kicking myself, but I tend to do this on my first big catch of the season - adrenaline seems to short circuit my brain. But based on what I caught the rest of the week, will give an estimate of 33 to 35 inches - maybe 8 to 10 pounds. It was a lovely fight and he was pretty thick. The other awkward part - I am in the boat by myself, so my first Pike Selfy .

 

This generally set the pattern for the week. I would throw lures looking for Bass (every lure from MTB was for Bass) and catch Pike.

 

25 Inch

 

 

23 Inch

 

 

 

The other thing this lake has lots of is Pan Fish. I caught my first Sunfish - I dunno - since I was 10. Also caught this (again on the wake bait). My Brother Inlaw ID it as a Black Crappie - so that is what I will go with. Loved the color.

 

 

But would I catch any Bass? On a real Windy day, we tried this back bay. Lots of logs/stumps, with decent weed cover. Was basically throwing a crankbait as we drifted with the Wind, and I tried to control the boat with the trolling motor. Moon Phase suggested a lively bit between 4PM and 5PM - and it was correct I rattled off 10 or 11 bass in a row. Nothing really big but it was fun. Example of general size below.

 

 

But where were the big boys? We went back to that same bay the next day - and got Skunked. I tried everything, from Crankbaits, to Wacky Worms. Wacky seemed to work somewhat, but the fish were extremely sluggish (it had rained the night before, so guessing a slight cold front). They would hit the worm, but not really take it.

 

I was getting frustrated, so figured - I know where there are some good size Pike - let's try that again. So I cheated a little, and pulled out a 5 Diamond Spoon, tipped it with a white grub tail - and of course caught this:

 

 

 

I never did catch any big pike on the big pike lure - go figure.

Rest of the week went by too quickly. Soon it was time to pack up, load the Boat, and head home. But as is my final tradition, we do the boat last. Wife takes the truck, and I drive over to the launch point - trolling and casting as much as I can.

 

In what really was my go to lure, I had the wake bait on again. In the channel from the Cottage, there are a number of weed patchs - so it really was the best lure to use. But would it catch a Bass? Yes Sir it would, as I had probably the most enjoyable fight of the week. I had it tied to my Ugly Stick - and Bammo.

 

 

 

I am a catch and release fisherman - so I let him go, whispering in his ears - > go forth, get bigger, and I will see you again .

 

Not much else to say, other than we barely scratched the surface of what is on that lake. Between myself and my Brother Inlaw, we caught 7 different species of fish. From what I understand Crow Lake, which joins to Bobs Lake is even better, but we never got there.

 

Oh well - it definitely gives me a reason to go back.

Over the Canada Day week I stayed at the most Dog friendly resort I have ever been to. Dogs get free reign. No leashes can just wander around. The fishing was Fantastic for pike and bass(both SMB/LMB). It's boat to only and is on an island in Georgian Bay. I missed the only Musky that I got to my bait but I did drink a lot that week and so wasn't as intense as normal. You might want to give it a try some time,I know I will be back.

http://www.milllakelodge.com/

Still waiting for an introductory post before I hook you up.

Also do you have a canoe cart?

Nice report.

Just that you pointed out that those who are effected by the down fall of the lake can move and I just pointed out that those who are contributing to it's down fall can move also.

 

You have pointed a LOT of good points today......keep them coming.

 

My solution is to do away with all commercial fishing if it's nets or anyway else. But let's do it like they did for Lake Erie in NYS. They imposed a $3 stamp that anyone who fished the lake must purchase for the next 3 years to buy out ALL LICENSED COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN (this would be need to tweet for all aboriginals who NOW fish the lake commercial purposes in a LEGAL form).

 

The money that those Indians would receive could start them into another business like purchasing a boat for chartering anglers or develop land for cottages to run or whatever. This would move them into the 21 century without losing their history or livelihood.

 

BTW after 2 years NYS did away with the stamp because they had more then enough funds to buy out the commercial fishermen and the lake has rebounded into the BEST Walleye fishery in the WORLD.

 

No reason the Big Nip can't rebound too with the right management and only sport fishing.

 

edited to say I have NO IDEA why some of the above is outlined in white...

I love the idea of a specific use tax but there is no such thing in Canada no matter what a politician tells you. It is against our constitution. All taxes must go into a general coffer and then be distributed from there. If I had my druthers there would be a flat fishing license charge and the a 2 dollar stamp charge for every watershed or area you fished in. We pay far to little right now for the right to fish(Consider what trail permits cost) I know most wouldn't be for this but that's because once money goes into the coffer it now just disappears with no accountability. In the US they have Wallop-Breaux which is a tax on all sport fishing related items. That is why their DNR is run so much better than ours and they have such an extensive stocking program.

I know my views arent always popular in here, but my family is aboriginal and here is one thing I have to say.

 

If I seen these nets I would document it and cut them.

 

I know its illegal but whatever, to me and our community protecting the resource trumps law.

 

I would fight to impose a DRASTIC reduction in commercial fishing for a period of time, then re access.

 

Same for sport anglers, c&r only for a time then re access later

 

Id make FN commercial fishing, or any commercial fishing, pay and take part in restocking or severe penalties.

 

Id also fight to impose huge increases in prices of fish from nip to make it not worthwhile for the time being for commercial fisherman, vendors, resteraunts etc.

Hey it's only fair that if the natives who have historical treaty rights to fish for sustenance close down their fishing then we the dilettante Johnny come lately fishing for recreation should halt our fishing as well. Might not be a popular opinion but it is only through compromise and working together with the native peoples that we are going to be able to conserve the Canadian ecology. SACRIFICES WILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY BOTH SIDES.

I'm going to second Huronia bait in Festerton. THey always have minnows

Dave, no one says you have to build a wall all in one pc. Figure what you can lift by yourself and do it a pc at a time. I've even joined window/door openings this way just put in the header afterwards. Saves on all the wall jack building although you waste a little more aspenite. I've built everything but the roof by myself on some 2000 + sq and that's how I managed to keep a good pace. And yes it looks great everyone here is extremely jealous I'm sure. Now if only I could find a decent paying job up that way that I only work 3 days but get paid for a full week.

Gananoque Most 5lb + bass I've ever seen. But nothing in Ontario is a trophy the only trophy bass we have are smallmouth. You want to go southeast US or Cali if you can find water in Cali that is.

Well it amazes me still how often a first post is asking for where. We should have a sticky about first posts.OFC etiquette is to introduce yourself and share something about your fishing experiences. That being said the harbour and Black Bass Point will produce a few fish but Collingwood is not the greatest warm water fishing destination.

Ihave fished restoule for better than 30 years and never seen a whitefish,lots of herring but no whitefish.

They are there though every year through the ice we catch lots. And I know the difference between whitefish and herring.

My wife, Elsa and yours truly just returned from a fishing trip to Smoothrock Lake with Thunderhook Outfitters in the Wabikimi National Park. I have been there many times on previous occasions and the fishing has always been outstanding. We didn't fish a lot, but about 3-4 hours in the morning would always allow us to catch 50-100 walleyes jig fishing. Most walleyes are 16-18 inches but every day there are a few over 20 inches. The bugs, especially black flies are having a banner year and were especially tough on Elsa who wore a headnet on some days .We only casted for Northerns on 3 occasions for about an hour and caught numerous small fish. We did land 4 Northerns of 30-32 inches and one that was 40 inches plus. The accommodations at Smoothrock camp are excellent with full time electric, indoor showers, and toilet facilities. More important they provide 16 foot Lund boats with 20hp four stroke motors.and you can hook your fish finders up directly to their batteries.

 

I am going back in a week with guys that will put a lot more time on the water, bugs or no bugs. Sorry about the lack of pictures but I haven't figured out yet how to do that. .

Pictures or it didn't happen.

Stake the edges of the lawn about 1 foot and a half above the ground. Run string or wire tightly in crossing patterns over lawn. They wont land for a cople weeks and then you can remove the string and they shouldn't come back.

Reports with Jack are probably my favourite.

All kind of places on the Geen are great for bass.

THATS A NICE FISH

 

 

No problem, just hook him up with one of your companion flights on Westjet!!!

HECK ILL PAY MY OWN WAY JUST PUT ME UP FEED ME AND LET ME FISH AS WELL.USE TO BE A FRAMING CARPENTER AT ONE TIME. JUST DON'T EXPECT ME TO WALK WALLS ANYMORE.

What did ya get it on.

Great report. Makes me a tad jealous of the old days when a bunch of us could get out for an extended trip.

That's a tough one. Took me 5 yrs to get another dog after putting down the last. I waited to long. Don't you do the same.

It's all about devolution. Are We Not Men!!!!

THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THAT OF COARSE IS IT MIGHT BE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN WHICH CASE YOU COULD BE CHARGED WITH TRESPASSING.